Mississippi § 41-41-53 - Requirement of written consent; petition for waiver.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 41-41-53 — Requirement of written consent; petition for waiver., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 41-41-53. Requirement of written consent; petition for waiver.
Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, no person shall perform an abortion upon an unemancipated minor unless he or his agent first obtains the written consent of both parents or the legal guardian of the minor. If the minor’s parents are divorced or otherwise unmarried and living separate and apart, then the written consent of the parent with primary custody, care and control of such minor shall be sufficient. If the minor’s parents are married and one (1) parent is not available to the person performing the abortion in a reasonable time and manner, then the written consent of the parent who is available shall be sufficient. If the minor’s pregnancy was caused by sexual intercourse with the minor’s natural father, adoptive father or stepfather, then the written consent of the minor’s mother shall be sufficient. A minor who elects not to seek or does not obtain consent from her parents or legal guardian under this section may petition, on her own behalf or by next friend, the chancery court in the county in which the minor resides or in the county in which the abortion is to be performed for a waiver of the consent requirement of this section pursuant to the procedures of Section 41-41-55.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 41-41-53
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 41-41-53 cover?
Section 41-41-53 ("Requirement of written consent; petition for waiver.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 41-41-53?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 41-41-53" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 41-41-53 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.